Lothar Matthaeus named new Bulgaria coach

German football great Lothar Matthaeus has been appointed as Bulgaria’s new national team coach, the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) announced on Tuesday.

“Lothar Matthaeus is the new national team coach,” BFU president Borislav Mihaylov told a press conference after a meeting of the union’s executive board. “He will sign his contract over the coming days.”

Mihaylov refused to disclose any financial details about the contract but said it would be for one year, with an option to extend it by two more years.

Matthaeus, who last managed Israeli club Maccabi Netanya, will replace former national coach Stanimir Stoilov, who resigned after Bulgaria lost their second successive Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro on September 7.

The 49-year-old German is expected to lead the squad in their next qualifier against Wales in Cardiff on October 8.

A former captain of the West German national team and 1990 World Cup winner, Matthaeus was named the first ever FIFA World Player of the Year in 1991.

After ending his career as footballer, the former midfielder coached a range of teams, including Partizan Belgrade, Hungary’s national team and Red Bull Salzburg.